‘Mechanix’ is a course that is run annually as part of St Andrew’s Church’s practical outreach to local young people aged 14-17, a work led by Youth Minister James Willett. The course is for young people who have no prior car mechanic experience who then spend three months learning new skills from professional car mechanics.
The course is open to male and female applicants and the young people are challenged to bring cars up to MOT level during evening courses at Shawfix Autos and St Andrew’s Church Centre. Students use manuals as their guide and gain experience of MOT test procedures, car skills and life skills.
Revd Peter Toller of St Andrew’s Church said: “People often ask why a church is running a project involving cars. Whilst Mechanix is about spending time under the bonnet, it’s also about investing time in young people. We want to show young people they matter, that we see them, and we’re interested in their future flourishing. In this way, we’re following Jesus’ example. Our aim is for young people to grow in workplace skills and confidence to equip them for the future. Our prayer is that they know they matter.”
Eight teenagers completed the most recent course and received their certificates of achievement from Lord Montagu at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu last Wednesday. After the presentation, the students were given a tour of the collection. Lord Montagu is keen to support young people who are interested in cars, and a visit to the Motor Museum is an ideal way to mark the completion of the course.
The students restored two cars, including a VW Beetle and a classic Hillman Super Minx personally donated by the Museum’s Chief Executive, Jon Murden. He said: “When I met the organisers of the ‘Mechanix’ group I was so impressed with what they do for young people, on the spur of the moment I offered the car as a gift in the hope that it would do some good in our community and inspire some new classic car enthusiasts. Twelve months on, I saw the car at the end of their project, and they have done an amazing job of restoring it. I am so delighted the Hillman has gone on to a good home and has a new life. And I was utterly thrilled to have met the young people who worked so hard and learned so much restoring it.”
Members of staff at Shawfix donated their time and expertise, as did a number of church volunteers, with vocational support from Totton College. Sponsors included ExxonMobil, the Beaulieu Motor Museum, Shawfix Autos and Draper Tools.
Reuben Shaw from Shawfix Autos says: “This was the first-time students will have encountered tappets or carburettors, and the students had no diagnostic tools. We are really pleased that these students have stuck with the course and got their qualifications. Over the last months, they have gained several practical skills and learnt about teamwork. The personal development goals that they each achieved are a real credit to them.
